The Certified Internal Auditor designation is the only globally recognized certification for internal auditors, and it has been for over 50 years. With that title comes prestige, trust, and, naturally, a paycheck boost.
How much is the average certified internal auditor’s salary?
The short answer is: it depends. But I have a sneaking suspicion you’ll be pleased with the numbers. Like most career paths, your earning potential depends on several factors, including experience, location, industry, and even the size of the company you work for.
Let’s break it down so you can make an informed decision about your future.
Key Takeaways
- Earning Potential Is High: Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs) can earn anywhere from $65,000 to over $200,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and job title.
- Certification Pays Off: CIAs earn 37–50% more than their non-certified peers, with an average salary boost of $26,000 to $38,000 per year.
- Bonuses Add to the Package: Performance bonuses for CIAs can range from 10% to 40% of their annual salary, especially in executive roles.
- Industries and Location Matter: High-paying sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology, along with metropolitan areas, offer significantly higher salaries.
- Additional Certifications Help: Credentials like CPA, CFA®, or CISA can boost your earning potential and open doors to senior-level positions.
What Is the Average Certified Internal Auditor Salary?
Currently, the average salary for a certified internal auditor is around $65,000 to $200,000 annually. Obviously, based on that gargantuan range, this number varies based on factors like job title and years of experience. Here’s a closer look:
- Entry-Level CIAs: If you’re just starting out, expect to earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year as an Audit Associate, Internal Controls Auditor, or Auditing Specialist. It’s a solid starting point compared to many other accounting careers.
- Mid-Level CIAs (1–3 Years of Experience): After gaining some experience, your salary typically jumps to the range of $70,000 to $100,000. This is when you might start stepping into roles like Senior Internal Auditor or Audit Manager.
- Senior-Level CIAs (10+ Years of Experience): Senior roles like Internal Audit Director or Chief Audit Executive can command salaries of $130,000 to $200,000 or more, especially in larger companies or high-demand industries like finance or technology.
| Experience Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level CIAs | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Mid-Level CIAs (1–3 Years of Experience) | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| Senior-Level CIAs (10+ Years of Experience) | $130,000 – $200,000+ |
How Does the CIA Certification Boost Your Salary?
Here’s the big question: Is the CIA certification worth it? The data says yes. Certified internal auditors consistently earn more than their non-certified counterparts.
- Non-Certified Internal Auditors: Typically earn 37–50% less than CIAs
- Annual Salary Difference: CIAs earn $26,000 to $38,000 more annually than non-certified internal auditors
- Total Cost to Become a CIA: Around $2,000–$3,000 (including exam fees and study materials)
Note that this doesn’t take the cost of bachelor’s and master’s degrees into account, only because you would still need at least a bachelor’s to become an internal auditor, even without certification.
Bonuses and Perks
Many companies reward CIAs with performance bonuses, especially for roles tied to risk management, compliance, or improving financial operations. Bonuses can range from 10% to 20% of your annual salary for management and staff positions and up to 40% for executives.
Lifelong Salary Boost
Let’s say you’re 25, and just to be safe, we’ll average the additional pay thanks to your certification at $20,000 every year. This lower number also accounts for your entry-level years, where certification will have less impact.
The average retirement age is 62. That means if you get your certification and get your first job in the industry this year, you can expect a return of roughly $740,000 over the course of your career.
Obviously, this figure isn’t 100% precise. However, no matter how you slice it, you can expect at least a six-figure return on investment over your career, plus additional opportunities your non-certified peers won’t have access to.
So, to answer your question: yes! The investment is well worth it.
Factors That Influence CIA Salaries
Your earning potential as a CIA isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let’s look at the key factors that can affect how much you earn:
Job Title
Your title plays a considerable role in determining your salary. That usually correlates with experience, and the gap between $65,000 and $200,000+ for entry-level versus executive-level positions tells the story.
As you climb the ladder, your responsibilities grow—from handling individual audits to overseeing entire audit teams and ensuring organizational compliance. Naturally, that means more pay.
Industry
Some industries pay CIAs more than others. In-demand sectors include:
- Finance and Banking: High salaries due to strict regulatory requirements and complex financial statements.
- Healthcare: Growing demand for CIAs to ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
- Technology: Larger tech companies often pay higher salaries to handle specialized audits.
Location
Where you live matters! Salaries in major cities like New York, San Francisco, or Chicago can be up to 40% higher than in smaller towns.
Additional Certifications and Education
Earning certifications like the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or an advanced degree like a Master’s in Accounting can significantly boost your salary. Many senior auditors hold multiple certifications, which signals specialized knowledge and leadership potential.
How to Maximize Your Earning Potential
Want to earn top dollar as a CIA? Here are some actionable tips:
1. Gain Experience in High-Paying Industries
Look for roles in industries with complex regulatory environments, like:
- Banking
- Healthcare
- Technology
These sectors often need skilled CIAs to handle risk management and financial operations. It’s the law of supply and demand: they need CIAs, and they’ll pay more to get these invaluable employees.
💥 Action Step: Choose an active sector in your area (or the one you plan on moving to) to specialize in. Study that industry to build your expertise and wow prospective employers with your knowledge.
2. Pursue Additional Certifications
Adding certifications like the CPA, CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst), or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) can make you a top candidate for higher-paying roles.
💥 Action Step: Research additional certifications to see which appeal to you. If you’re currently employed, check with your employer to see if they’d be willing to pay for it. You’d be surprised how many employers will pay for their workers to build more specialized knowledge!
3. Develop Soft Skills
Strong communication and leadership skills can set you apart, especially for senior positions like Audit Manager or CAE. Let’s face it: people hire people they like. Get a leg up and develop your people skills!
💥 Action Step: Being a charismatic people person comes naturally to some, but if you’re just starting your journey, check out Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. It’ll help you in your career, but it will boost your personal life, too!
4. Target Larger Companies
Larger companies generally have more resources and tend to pay higher salaries for internal auditors. Some of the top companies for certified internal auditors include Citi, KPMG, IBM, and Oracle.
💥 Action Step: Research top companies who hire CIAs in your area, and take a look at their employees, whether they’re listed on the website or LinkedIn. Look for similarities: maybe they all have a CPA or frequently earned a specific degree. Take notes!
Conclusion
Becoming a certified internal auditor is a smart move for anyone interested in a stable, rewarding career in auditing. With salaries that grow from $65,000 at entry level to over $200,000 in senior roles, the CIA certification opens doors to higher pay, better job opportunities, and career growth.
Whether you’re just starting out or considering a mid-career boost, the CIA designation is more than worth the effort. And remember, the key to maximizing your salary is gaining experience, targeting high-paying industries, and continually developing your skills.
So, are you ready to take the first step toward becoming a certified internal auditor? Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you.
FAQs
Yes! Certified internal auditors earn significantly more than the average internal auditor salary, enjoy better job opportunities, and often receive bonuses and career advancement opportunities.
CIAs typically earn between $65,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on their role, experience, and industry.
The CIA exam is considered more specialized but less broad than the CPA exam. While both the CPA and CIA are challenging, the difficulty depends on your background and study habits.
The CIA certification exam can be challenging, requiring preparation and dedication. However, many find it achievable with proper study materials and a clear schedule. Also, CIA requirements aren’t as challenging as other certifications.
The CIA certification signals expertise in internal auditing, increases earning potential, and provides access to global career opportunities and senior roles like internal audit manager and chief financial officer.
